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I'm wanting to replace my wheel sets and searching on the web it seems they're either 40028 (40" diameter) or 40029 (42" diameter). One part diagram showed 40019 however that doesn't come up anywhere. My unit was new around 1987 and I believe they once used sintered metal and have since switched to nickel silver which stays cleaner. Perhaps the 40019 was the sintered version and is now the 40029 nickel silver? I can measure my wheel diameter but am I measuring flange to flange or tread to tread? What would the 40" and 42" measure in at?
Prototype wheels were 40" over the tread next to the flange. For some reason Athearn made 42" wheels. The difference is .022" or half a millimeter.
Prototype wheels were 40" over the tread next to the flange. For some reason Athearn made 42" wheels. The difference is .022" or half a millimeter.
So in a pinch, I could use either set, but should try to get the 42" if at all possible? I find my wheels pick up dirt easily, and give off tiny sparks, so I assume I have the sintered version?
So in a pinch, I could use either set, but should try to get the 42" if at all possible? I find my wheels pick up dirt easily, and give off tiny sparks, so I assume I have the sintered version?
No, you need to use the 42" scale wheels. NWSL makes them for Athearn locos.
No, you need to use the 42" scale wheels. NWSL makes them for Athearn locos.
I definitely don't want to be dragging my fuel tank on the rails.
Either will work, I used 40" on all the ones I've replaced. Bluebox GP38-2, 40-2,50,60 all sit too high anyway.
Either will work, I used 40" on all the ones I've replaced. Bluebox GP38-2, 40-2,50,60 all sit too high anyway.
That's odd, because when I upgraded to Whisker 148 Kadees, without any modifications, the coupler height was bang on. I think I purchased mine around 1987-88. Perhaps it's changed since? I think mine was an early generation RTR. I can't recall having to assemble anything, although that was back in my party days....and nights. lol
Gomez Addams
Staff member
I definitely don't want to be dragging my fuel tank on the rails.
You do realize exactly how much 1" is in HO scale, right?
You do realize exactly how much 1" is in HO scale, right?
About half a hair? lol
.011 inches, just over a quarter mm
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